July 1: Departure Day, Miami to Quito
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.
July 1 & 2: Quito
Spend your first days exploring Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. Get to know your leaders and the other students, visit the colonial Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), ride the teleférico, savor rich Ecuadorian coffee at an outdoor café, and participate in an in-depth orientation discussing life in Ecuador, your project, and group dynamics.
July 3 – 7: Iltaquí
Travel by bus to our small host village in the central highlands a few hours north of Quito. Work together with the local community to complete a series of construction, education, and agricultural projects.
July 8: Valle de Intag
Take an overnight trip to the Intag cloud forest to explore this region’s incredible biodiversity. Spot some of Ecuador’s 1,500 bird species, soak in geothermal hot springs, and visit a coffee farm to learn about coffee production from bean to cup.
July 9 – 12: Iltaquí
Continue work on community service projects in your host village, Iltaquí.
July 13: Otavalo
Spend a night in the bustling town of Otavalo and explore its renowned outdoor textile market featuring handcrafted alpaca and wool blankets, art, jewelry, handicrafts, and more.
July 14 – 19: Iltaquí
Finish work on service projects in your host village and prepare a despedida party to thank the community.
July 20 & 21: Cotopaxi National Park
Visit magnificent Cotopaxi, a snow-capped volcano. Stay at a cozy hacienda, hike to the mountain’s breathtaking glacier and refugio, and ride on horseback across the surrounding páramo.
July 22: Quito
Travel to Quito and stay at a residence near the airport. Prepare for your journey to the Galápagos Islands.
July 23: Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
Fly from Quito to Baltra in the Galápagos and set off to explore Santa Cruz Island. Accompanied by a professional Galápagos guide, surf and swim on the white-sand beach of Tortuga Bay, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, walk the highlands, explore lava tunnels, and observe wildlife.
July 24 – 26: San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos
Travel by boat to San Cristóbal Island. Get a chance to mountain bike through lush grasslands and observe blue-footed boobies and sea turtles. Visit famous Kicker Rock where you can snorkel along an underwater channel and safely swim with sea lions and Galápagos sharks. Observe wildlife as you kayak or stand up paddleboard. Celebrate as a group with your last dinner together on the islands.
July 27: Travel Day, Galápagos to Quito
Fly from San Cristóbal Island to Quito, and prepare for your journey home.
July 28: Return Day, Quito to Miami
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.